The acute problem of limited powers with law and order enforcers has been exposed several times in our films but seldom has it been really effective. Amitabh Bachchan's sincerity in 'Khakee', Sanjay Dutt's battle in 'Kurukshetra' Salman's 'Dabangg' and Abhishek's 'Dumb Maaro Dumb' are among those who defied norms and confronted all adversaries by themselves. Drawing inspiration from 2010's super-hit Tamil film starring Surya, 'Golmaal' series director Rohit Shetty embraces the high-flying, ridiculous action that defines his absurdity but renders a thrilling, gripping tale of injustice and abuse of power that ensues in the Goan town. One determined Police Officer, reminiscent of the angry young man of the 70's will turn the tables of power around while being righteous and astute. Bajirao Singham is Ajay Devgan's most powerful character yet and this lion hearted Officer's battle is among the most thrilling action films in recent times. Incredulous as it may seem, the credit goes to Rohit Shetty.
A sincere Police Officer who was wrongly framed in corruption charges, relinquishes his career, family and life in frustration that is caused by the system's infallible ability to bend to power. The widow seeks justice in the midst of greed, power and indifference until a new Inspector arrives in town..... Heralding from a quaint Maratha village, the local hero enforces law and order through his unique leadership that involves participation. To his roar, the entire village will rise in uproar leaving the Goan goon Jaykant Shikre (Prakash Raj) humiliated when he tries to threaten Singham in his own backyard. As power unmasks its nefarious side, Singham gets transferred to Goa and from here on, the lion walks into the hunting grounds.....
Singham's fast-paced narrative essentially grips you throughout, engaging you into the battle against the malicious gangster while some occasional relief, though in form of a mere distraction, is posed by Kaavya (Kaajal Agarwal – Telugu super duper star). Among the supporting cast, the talented veteran actor Ashok Saraf leaves a heart warming impression as the retiring constable whose belief in the system is only rekindled with the advent of Singham. Sonali Kulkarni lends some seriousness to her tragedy that goes beyond just tears while Sachin Khedekar provides the comic relief that's quite unexpected from him.
Prakash Raj gets to revisit the character he played just last year but his dialogue delivery is flawless and so is his zeal for acting that comes naturally as though he is Jaykant Shikre.... If there was any actor today who could play an angry young man and with his tone, countenance and threatening presence, make the box-office catch fire, it would be Ajay Devgan. In his portrayal as Bajirao Singham, he literally brings his strengths to the table while leaving out his weakness, that is comedy. As he adorns a tight fitting uniform that serves as his super-hero costume, he gains the ability to send cars and people flying through the air in so incredulous a manner that is now a trademark of Rohit Shetty's films. But apart from the ridiculous action sequences, Singham's roar is a powerful one.
The plot is yet another good cop v/s corrupt system battle but Singham's approach, his solutions to harassment, his determined stance on principles and his composed rage are the elements that make this film, a laudable entertainer. Also, when compared with Shetty's prior ventures, this isn't such a mindless film. The banality of the plot is overcome by a screenplay that grips the viewer as it races through Singham's transfer from village to city. What is even more fun to watch is how, against all adversity, Singham's determination roars on screen and outwits, out-punches and outdoes Shikre's each move.
Marathi artists Ajay-Atul have one outstanding track in a mediocre album. The title song with Sukhwinder Singh's superb rendition and the Singham chant that evokes the intensity in the film's important scenes are worth the entire album itself.
Perhaps it is Singham that will partially erase the memory of Rohit Shetty's deplorable works in the past. Apart from bits of 'Golmaal 3', he had nothing on his resume but now, a blockbuster from Chennai has changed all that. Shetty is now the man behind Ajay Devgan's and 2011's biggest hit in the making. For an action film about an angry young Cop, Singham scores with his roars....
8.42 on a scale of 1-10.
